On this week's edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith (Newstalk ZB's lead rugby commentator) and Liam Napier (chief sports writer - NZ Herald) are in Melbourne ahead of the All Blacks and Wallabies' Bledisloe Cup test at Marvel Stadium on Thursday (which you can hear live on NewstalkZB and Gold Sport).

We debate the likely team to be announced by Ian Foster for the match, the challenges the Wallabies might pose the All Blacks and whether the All Blacks can snap their win/loss pattern of recent times.

The guys also debate the other big issues in the Rugby world, including whether player names should be on the back of jerseys.

On this week's edition of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith (Newstalk ZB's lead rugby commentator) and Liam Napier (chief sports writer - NZ Herald) are in Melbourne ahead of the All Blacks and Wallabies' Bledisloe Cup test at Marvel Stadium on Thursday (which you can hear live on NewstalkZB and Gold Sport).
We debate the likely team to be announced by Ian Foster for the match, the challenges the Wallabies might pose the All Blacks and whether the All Blacks can snap their win/loss pattern of recent times.
The guys also debate the other big issues in the Rugby world, including whether player names should be on the back of jerseys.

Every week, Rugby Direct gives you the lowdown on all you need to know from the rugby world. 

Whether it's the All Blacks, Black Ferns, NPC, Farah Palmer Cup, or just what's going down at the club grounds, we have you covered on your home for all things rugby. 

Listen on iHeartRadio for every angle, every moment, and every opinion.

Every week, Rugby Direct gives you the lowdown on all you need to know from the rugby world. Whether it's the All Blacks, Black Ferns, NPC, Farah Palmer Cup, or just what's going down at the club grounds, we have you covered on your home for all things rugby. Listen on iHeartRadio for every angle, every moment, and every opinion.

Every week, Rugby Direct gives you the lowdown on all you need to know from the rugby world. Powered by Newstalk ZB and iHeartRadio

Rugby Direct

Rugby Direct - Episode 51

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the All Blacks’ 34-man squad for the two-test Bledisloe Cup series. With Ruben Love sidelined by an ankle injury, they assess Richie Mo’unga’s opportunity at first five, where Beauden Barrett fits, and the selection calls facing the All Blacks. 

The pair also discuss the returns of Scott Barrett and Shannon Frizell, Leicester Fainga’anuku’s omission, Codie Taylor’s appointment as captain, and the All Blacks’ continuing problems under the high ball. 

Plus, after beating South Africa in Perth, can the Wallabies carry that confidence into Eden Park and threaten New Zealand’s long unbeaten record at the venue? 

LISTEN ABOVE 

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier break down the All Blacks’ 34-man squad for the two-test Bledisloe Cup series. With Ruben Love sidelined by an ankle injury, they assess Richie Mo’unga’s opportunity at first five, where Beauden Barrett fits, and the selection calls facing the All Blacks.&nbsp;
The pair also discuss the returns of Scott Barrett and Shannon Frizell, Leicester Fainga’anuku’s omission, Codie Taylor’s appointment as captain, and the All Blacks’ continuing problems under the high ball.&nbsp;
Plus, after beating South Africa in Perth, can the Wallabies carry that confidence into Eden Park and threaten New Zealand’s long unbeaten record at the venue?&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Rugby Direct Episode 261: Bledisloe pressure builds as Wallabies fire a warning shot

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/bcbed865-a304-4540-b9ce-b4d50004b094/transcript

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier revisit the All Blacks' tour of South Africa with the benefit of hindsight. A few weeks on from the series defeat, the boys unpack what really went wrong, what positives can be taken forward, and what it revealed about the state of the All Blacks under Dave Rennie. 

They also break down the outcomes of New Zealand rugby's recent summit, asking the big questions: what was actually achieved, what still needs to change, and where does the game go from here?  

From governance and participation to the future of the professional game, no topic is off-limits as the boys tackle the biggest issues facing rugby in New Zealand. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier revisit the All Blacks' tour of South Africa with the benefit of hindsight. A few weeks on from the series defeat, the boys unpack what really went wrong, what positives can be taken forward, and what it revealed about the state of the All Blacks under Dave Rennie.&nbsp;
They also break down the outcomes of New Zealand rugby's recent summit, asking the big questions: what was actually achieved, what still needs to change, and where does the game go from here? &nbsp;
From governance and participation to the future of the professional game, no topic is off-limits as the boys tackle the biggest issues facing rugby in New Zealand.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Rugby Direct Episode 260: Lessons from South Africa, questions for NZ Rugby

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/c909ef57-146b-4857-9371-b4d000281c06/transcript

 On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith reflects on the All Blacks’ challenging tour of South Africa and the key factors behind the 3-1 series defeat.

Where did it unravel for Dave Rennie side, what lessons can be taken from the campaign, and what needs to change as attention turns to the remainder of the 2026 international season?

Elliott breaks down the biggest talking points and looks ahead to what comes next for the All Blacks.

LISTEN ABOVE

&nbsp;On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith reflects on the All Blacks’ challenging tour of South Africa and the key factors behind the 3-1 series defeat.
Where did it unravel for Dave Rennie side, what lessons can be taken from the campaign, and what needs to change as attention turns to the remainder of the 2026 international season?
Elliott breaks down the biggest talking points and looks ahead to what comes next for the All Blacks.
LISTEN ABOVE

Rugby Direct Episode 259:  The South African reality check

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/3bfa22e6-19e7-4e4f-a357-b4c800183a92/transcript

Rugby Direct - Episode 51

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